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Kruger & Swazi Overland

In Africa, the cultural exchange rate is always favourable. This eye-opening journey into South Africa and Swaziland promises ample face time with the region’s famed wildlife and life-changing contact with the people who make this land their home. Here, you’ll marvel at hippos in their natural habitat and dine on local favourites and amazing camp meals. And with a reliable and knowledgeable CEO on hand at all times, your comfort zone will expand by miles.

Holiday Highlights

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity), and you are required to acquire the entry visas for each of the countries visited. Please double check with your agent and/or visa agent what the visa requirements is for each country that you will be traveling to. Some countries do require that you get your visa before arrival. If you show up at a border and should you not have the required visa you will be denied entry to the country and be send back to the closest embassy/high commission to get the visa. All arrangements and expenses for that will be at your own cost. The CEO will assist you with travel arrangements but will not be able to accompany you. You will also have to catch up with the group at their next destination at own cost.

We have been experiencing a lot of problems with people that need visas for Namibia and Malawi. Namibian and Malawian visas is not available at the border, so please make very sure if you do need a visa before arrival.

The information provided here is to be used as a guide only. Please consult with the relevant embassy or your travel agency before you travel. We cannot take any responsibility whatsoever for the use of this information.

South Africahttp://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countrieshttp://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visahttp://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm

Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 90 days:African Union / Unity Laissez Passes, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States of America, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica

If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 30 days: Antigua and Barbuda,Barbados,Belize,Benin,Bolivia,Hong Kong,Hungary,Jordan,Lesotho,Malaysia Cape Verde,Costa Rica,Cyprus,Gabon,Guyana,Peru,Poland,Seychelles,Slovak Republic ,South Korea,Swaziland,Thailand,Turkey,Zambia

Visa costsThe visa fee is different for every nationality, so please check this with your agent or closest embassy.

**Please note for those traveling with minors: Effective June 01, 2015, anyone under the age of 18 will not be allowed entry without an unabridged birth certificate. If they are not traveling with both parents or adults who are not the child's parents, further documentation is required. Please check with your South African embassy or consulate for the most current list of document requirements.

This information is accurate at the time of writing, and please contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and costs, regarding these, and the other countries visited, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.

Checklist

Additional Items:

Sleeping bag and liner (Seasonally appropriate)

Cold Weather:

Long-sleeved shirts or sweater

Scarf

Warm gloves

Warm hat

Warm layers

Documents:

Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)

Note: Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.

Transport

Private vehicle

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Group Leader

2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase (please avoid a hard cover suitcase), or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.

For our camping style tours you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). We provide the tent and the sleeping pads.

Please note that the seasons in Africa is quite extreme. Winters (especially South Africa) can be really cold and summers will be really hot.If you travel during winter months please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.

A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Optional Activities

Please see the itinerary for information on optional activities, descriptions and estimated pricing.

Detailed Trip Notes

REGIONAL INFORMATION Climate Southern Africa is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from May to September and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from October to April and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. Rains generally only start from mid to late December and last until March; this period is hot and humid. For the winter months, we recommend a sleeping bag rating of 3 seasons.

Electricity 220-240V, 50 HZ, Most electrical plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins. International adaptor are called for, they can be purchased locally (approx 2 U$).

The smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere. Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of only three monarchies left in Africa. Swaziland is a little, landlocked kingdom, bounded on all sides by South Africa except for roughly 100km (60mi) of border with Mozambique in the east.

Group Size Notes

Max 14, avg 12.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari vehicles for the long drives.

2. South Africa requires all travellers journeying from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination by means of a valid Yellow Fever certificate.

3. Your trip includes an element of participation camping. Your CEOs will do all the majority of the meal preparation, but we do ask the clients to help with the setting up of camp, some meal preparation, and washing up. It is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly and the team spirit is part of the fun!All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also provided, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.

4. Sleeping bags cannot be rented on any of our Africa overland or safari tours.

5. VISAS. Please read the Visa section very carefully. Visas are your own responsibility. Always double check with the embassies what each countries requirement are.

Meals

As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and test the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.

All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.

Our cook will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties.

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

About our Transportation

For this tour we will use a 15-seat touring vehicle with a maximum of 14 people. With comfortable seats and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a great way to travel through the region and get a good view the surroundings. When necessary, a trailer will be used for your luggage, and the tour gear. Please note these vehicles are not air-conditioned.

This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

About Accommodation

Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.

The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.

All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.

We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.

In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.

Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.

In Durban, we stay in backpacker's (hostels) or small guest houses, which will give us a break from camping and to be better located than the campgrounds in the area. Here, the accommodation is based on several people sharing dormitory-style rooms, with possibly 6 to 8 people sharing a room. Although we will try, we cannot guarantee to be able to divide the group into different dormitories based on gender lines. As such, males and females may have to share the same sleeping quarters for these nights. The bathrooms and showers are private, but may also be shared between both males and females.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg at any time and make your way to the joining point hotel.

Additional Notes

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

Our starting hotel is located outside of the city of Johannesburg, but take some time to enjoy an excursion to Soweto or to the famous Apartheid Museum.

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area

Drive through scenic mountains, and experience a traditional dinner and local dancing in the evening.

Included Activities

Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing

Transport

Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s))

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 3 Kruger National Park

Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in Kruger and watch wildlife from the comfort of the touring vehicle.

Included Activities

Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 4 Kruger National Park/Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Cross the border from South Africa to Swaziland. Visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Included Activities

Border Crossing (South Africa - Swaziland)

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Visit

Transport

Private Vehicle (3.30 hour(s), 200km)

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 5 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the Swaziland’s “Valley of Heaven”, the Ezulwini Valley. Take advantage of free time to go horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, or wildlife viewing.

Included Activities

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Visit

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 6 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary/Saint Lucia

Stay in the St Lucia area near the coast. Here, take an optional boat trip on the estuary or go for a horse ride on the beach. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park stands as a beacon to the efforts for conservation in South Africa.

Included Activities

Border Crossing (Swaziland - South Africa)

Transport

Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 277km)

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 7 Saint Lucia

Get out and explore. Opt to visit the Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park, which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino. Lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards also call this reserve home.

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 8 Saint Lucia/Durban

Spend most of the day travelling the coast to Durban. Explore the beach and dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just out the front door of our guest house.

Additional Notes

This tour is part of a longer tour that combines multiple tours. Some travellers may continue travelling together after this final evening.

My Own Room Exceptions

Looking for something different?

Don’t worry. Just because it’s not here, doesn’t mean we can’t do it. Call us on +353 1 2412389 or email info@gohop.ie and tell us what you’re looking for.

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